Integration

Heroes Park is not as crowded as she had expected for a Saturday morning, although coming just before the crack of dawn probably has a hand in that. Annabeth's target finally glimmers into view, and she sprints the last few hundred meters to finish off strong.

Her momentum takes her past the statue, but she tapers it off quickly, slowing to a walk. She circles back around, muscles burning pleasantly and sweat beginning to bead at her forehead. When she leans down to take a long swig from the water fountain, she hears a fellow runner approach her.

"You run professionally, or something?" he asks, wiping his upper lip with the back of his hand.

He's halfway out of breath from his jog but still shuffles his feet in place when he stops to speak with her.

"Only for my life," Annabeth replies, dryly.

That earns her a snort and a pair of disbelieving eyebrows, but she removes her hand from the metal sink and lets him have his turn.

Settling down on the slightly dewy grass with her arms splayed out behind her, Annabeth watches the sun appear between the buildings. Just quick flashes of yellow before it's high enough to see clearly. The air around her turns hazy, and Annabeth uses her hand as a visor when the light starts bouncing off all the metal and glass of Metropolis' skyscrapers.

LexCorp has it the worst, she notes, the tallest building in all the city, windows tinted to Hades. The glare is so bright she almost has to look away, but instead, she narrows her eyes at the top floor. The penthouse. She must look like an ant, she muses.

She waves her hand in a vaguely taunting hello, as if Luthor can see her from all the way up in his glass and concrete throne.

"I see you, too," she tells him, from all the way down in hers.

LINEBREAK

Annabeth doesn't write any of it down.

The plan remains tucked away in the safety of her brain and when she needs visual aid, she draws her diagrams in the condensation on her shower door before angling the spout and letting the water wash it away. She doesn't speak of it aloud either, just lets her mind hash out the finer details until everything is in place.

Paranoid, maybe, but a necessary precaution.

The weekend is over as soon as it began, but Annabeth is looking forward to the next work week and doesn't mind. She's had more than enough time.

LINEBREAK

"I'm having a little trouble reporting to management with my current classification," Annabeth tells one of the more willing-to-help project leaders bright and early Monday morning, "It's getting hard to keep track of my progress and assigned tasks."

She's been flitting from team to team, doing bits of work at a time with no overarching structure to her internship so it's an absolutely valid concern to have. Her first forty hours had been split up amongst six different teams, making it challenging to coordinate time without having someone to report back to, and she tells the project manager as much.

"Hmm," he replies, scratching his beard, "That is something to rectify. I'll look into the issue when I can."

Annabeth knows this will take forever if she doesn't give him a push.

"Isn't there someone that oversees all the tech teams, or the day-to-day stuff, that I can shadow?"

It takes a little bit of effort to pretend she doesn't understand corporate hierarchies, but the employees here, and Luthor—if he's even given her that much thought—think that she is whip-smart yet naïve when it comes to business, and she needs to keep up that reputation.

The man's eyes light up behind his glasses. He leans over his desk and types out a quick message. Annabeth can hear the faint whoosh sound from the monitor when he sends it out.

"I have an idea," he reveals.

No, Annabeth thinks but doesn't say, I do.

LINEBREAK

Annabeth's new direct supervisor is an interesting woman. Five-foot-four sans heels, with soft dark hair and almond eyes, Lana Lang, LexCorp's chief technology officer is much too unassuming at first glance.

There's a hardness behind her eyes, however, and an analytical intelligence that reveals the reason she's posted so high up at the company. Annabeth doesn't think Lang could have survived being Luthor's second without it. The woman isn't even phased at how Annabeth towers over her when she leans in to shake her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Annabeth," Lang greets her, "I'm happy you've been transferred to work under me."

She's being genuine, Annabeth notices. There's no hesitation or reluctance, just a warm, welcoming smile.

"I feel the same way, Ms. Lang," Annabeth replies, with the same smile, and it takes less energy than any of the other introductions she's participated in the previous week.

"Call me Lana," her supervisor corrects, being the first person at LexCorp to offer her first name, "How do you feel about lunch today? We can discuss how you feel about the projects you've worked on so far and if you'd like to switch anything up. And," Lana raises her eyebrows teasingly, "You'll be able to log your hours."

Oh, Annabeth likes this woman. She accepts the offer immediately.

LINEBREAK

They've been sitting at the table far too long for a simple lunch, but they've spent the entire time discussing work and Annabeth's projected future at LexCorp, so Lana insists that it's fine. And it's not like Annabeth has any qualms about draining Luthor's profits so she can enjoy a nice, filling meal at a rooftop restaurant overlooking half of Metropolis, so she doesn't argue.

She's told Lana all about her interests, being refreshingly honest about her intentions. Initial intentions, at least. She's explained to the other woman about her passion for architecture, and her decision to enter the tech field to get a broader career experience. Lana, unsurprisingly, responds to Annabeth's ambitions quite enthusiastically.

But, as nice as the conversation so far has been, it isn't the only reason Annabeth had said yes to the lunch. She waits for Lana to swirl her wine glass and take another sip before changing the topic.

"What about you?" Annabeth questions, "How did you get involved at LexCorp?"

She takes a sip of her water as she waits for Lana to gather her thoughts.

"I was born in a really small town, practically out in the middle of nowhere," the woman begins, "It was nice, and peaceful, but eventually I grew up. I wanted out, so I went to college for business, because I knew a degree like that could take me anywhere."

Annabeth nods to show that she's following along with the story.

"Is that how you ended up in Metropolis?"

Lana flushes slightly, looking somewhat sheepish, and she takes a sip of wine so that she can hide her face behind the glass for a moment.

"Ah, well, the reason for that has more to do with a boy than my career," she reveals.

It seems like the very drink the woman is using to mask her embarrassment is what is loosening her lips in the first place.

"Childhood friend, I thought I could follow him out here and start something," Lana smiles wryly, "It didn't turn out that way, though."

Annabeth hums thoughtfully.

"And yet, here you are, CTO of one of the most successful companies in the world," she points out, "Fate works in mysterious ways."

Lana's eyes soften at that, and she leans back in her chair, crossing her arms.

"I suppose it does," she agrees, "Back then, I was young and in love, and I made many questionable decisions because of it. Starting at LexCorp was just a stroke of luck, but I appreciate the lack of judgment."

Annabeth feels a little guilty. Her lunch with Lana has been the most relaxing experience at LexCorp so far. Her shoulders aren't as tense, and she doesn't have to carefully control her tone and word choice every time she opens her mouth, but that doesn't mean her answers are completely unscripted.

"There's nothing to judge when it comes to love," Annabeth declares, and then, because she can't help it, tacks on, "As long as you don't sacrifice yourself."

It's taken years for Annabeth to come to that conclusion for herself and reconcile the old head versus heart argument. She and her siblings are all naturally dispositioned to side with head, and often clash with the Aphrodite kids who firmly support heart. Years of experience later, Annabeth has found that it doesn't matter which side she takes, as long as it's herhead or her heart making that decision.

Lana must hear the conviction in her voice because she looks at Annabeth like she sees something she hadn't before.

"This Thursday," the woman starts, words coming out slowly and then picking up speed, "The board is conducting their semi-annual performance review, and I think you should accompany me."

The sharp stab of victory in Annabeth's gut casts aside her guilt, and she widens her eyes and—not too meekly—replies, "Me?"

"I know your interest is in the much more hands-on aspects of LexCorp, but I think this experience would be good for you. It'll give you the opportunity to see how all the decisions are made around here."

Annabeth nods slowly as if she's carefully thinking over the suggestion.

"I'd like that," she decides, and Lana smiles sharply.

"Excellent. I'll email you the details and meeting protocols you should be aware of," the woman says, sliding her phone open.

It only takes a second before Annabeth feels her pocket vibrate with the invitation.

"Oh, and Annabeth," Lana turns to her, after she flags down the waiter for the check, "Naturally, Mr. Luthor will also be there. I expect you to bring your a-game."

Annabeth smiles like she understands the instruction, but she's not sure any of them are quite ready for that yet.

LINEBREAK

Outside of work hours, Annabeth preps for the board meeting with her weekly Bechdel call, because while Lex Luthor may think the world revolves around him, Annabeth's certainly does not.

She flips a drachma into the air and the rainbow ripples into an Iris message. Settling back into the couch, Annabeth kicks her feet up on the coffee table and waits for Piper to appear.

It's been a while since they've last spoken, but once they start talking, it's hard to stop. They chat for almost forty minutes about school, and finals, and camp, and Oklahoma, and Shel, and in that time, the sun has started to set.

Finally, Piper asks her about her internship.

"How is it? You doing anything interesting?"

"Tech stuff here and there," Annabeth shrugs vaguely, "Mostly just telling people how to do their jobs, but in nicer words."

Piper's eyes narrow immediately. The girl has the unnerving ability to take Annabeth apart, a skill that has only gotten sharper over the years. Annabeth knows that if she asks Piper about it, she will just say it's a best friend thing.

"There's more. You look scheme-y. What're you really working on?" she demands.

Annabeth looks past the message, into the reflection of the tv. The orange sun behind her catches the edges of her hair, draping her face in shadow, and all she can see of herself is glowing yellow curls and pale eyes. Annabeth grins but shakes her head.

"It doesn't pass the test."

LINEBREAK

Annabeth had already signed multiple NDAs at the start of the program, but an hour before the board meeting, Lana hands her another stack of paper and a pen. Thankfully, they're not double-sided, and it only takes half an hour for her to thoroughly examine all the consequences of sharing board information with the public. Lana comes to collect her and the signed document when it's time to make their way upstairs.

Annabeth stands up and smooths down her attire. She's dressed for her character, with a modest grey pencil skirt, only slightly transparent tights, white blouse, and matching grey blazer. Professional, but not flashy. Competent, yet approachable.

She follows Lana, two steps behind and one to the left, out the elevator and through the tall glass doors into the conference room. Unlike Luthor's office, these walls are fully transparent, and Annabeth sees them before they see her.

LexCorp's board of directors is smaller than she expected, a mere seven heads. It's a detail that Annabeth needs to work into her plan, but now is not the time. She straightens her spine, stands in the shadow of Lana's left shoulder, and sweeps her eyes over the oblong table with a neutral but pleasant face.

"Ms. Lang, good to see you," the man at the head of the table, in the chairman's seat, tilts his chin forward in a greeting.

Lana returns the gesture and steps to the side to reveal more of Annabeth.

"You as well. This is my intern, Annabeth Chase. As I informed the board earlier this week, she will be present for today's meeting at my recommendation," the woman says to the entire table.

Most of them look unphased, or simply uninterested in her, which is better than disdain, but not exactly the reception she was aiming for. Annabeth very briefly moves her eyes across the room and makes eye contact with the man who just spoke, the chairman of the board. Dark hair, dark eyes, and a resting unimpressed expression softened only slightly by faint smile lines.

"Thank you for allowing me to be here, it's an honor to meet the backbone of LexCorp," Annabeth says, blinking only once.

The statement gets her mixed micro reactions from the rest of the table. An older woman with red hair, who is sitting to the chairman's right, frowns down at her lap but says nothing. Seven, Annabeth denotes. A man with stringy, dirty blond hair looks abnormally triumphant. Two, she assigns.

There are precisely five chairs remaining. The chairman is sitting at one end, five chairs on either side of the table, and the remaining directors occupy the six closest to him. Lana sits beside one of the directors, younger than the others—though not by much—with a distant look in his eye. Annabeth takes the seat next to her. Three chairs remaining. Two across the table and one at the other end, directly to Annabeth's left.

A middle-aged man strolls through the door, nodding at the rest of them, and takes one of the chairs across from her. A minute later, another man, cut from the same cloth as the first, takes the second to last seat. Annabeth recognizes them as the chief financial officer and chief operating officer.

The board is silent, not speaking to each other, or on their phones; they simply wait. Annabeth tries her best not to fidget.

Luthor is the last to arrive. He's not late, by any means. One look at the clock shows that he's precisely on time, almost to the second, but Annabeth thinks it's because the man knows they can't start without him. He hardly even glances at her as he takes his seat at the other end of the table. Instead, he stares straight at the chairman, who presses a small button and waits for the light to start blinking.

"I'd like to call to order the LexCorp Incorporated semi-annual board of directors meeting on June 2nd, 2022. First, I will conduct a roll call," the chairman announces, "Bauer."

The woman who frowned, the seven, goes next.

"Abernathy."

The rest of the directors follow.

Heath, Flores, Markham—the man who smiled, the two—and Vaughn.

The c-suite officers go next, Kasten, Heyeck, and Lang, and then Annabeth, who says "Chase" in a soft but clear voice.

Luthor goes last, and when he says his name, his tone sounds so high and mighty and familiar that Annabeth wants to stab him. It would be so easy, too; she's only a couple of feet away and she'd be able to take him by surprise.

"Are there any late additions to the agenda?" Bauer voices over her inner thoughts and pauses.

The chief operating officer, Heyeck, shifts in his seat to draw attention.

"There is an item I'd like to discuss after our scheduled reports," he announces, "It concerns my observations on employee productivity as of late."

Annabeth watches as Bauer scribbles a note onto the sheet of paper before him.

"I acknowledge your addition," he says, mostly for the recording, "We will begin our meeting today with the executive report."

Annabeth very much dislikes the feeling of having to look up at Luthor when he stands to give his speech, so she fixates on the knot of his tie instead.

"For the first half of this year, LexCorp has focused the bulk of its energy on Luthor Technologies and Luthor Communications. We've made considerable progress in weapons development and robotics and have expanded the widespread presence and use of LexTel and Luthor News Network."

So, he's made his weapons sharper, robots smarter, and media stations more capable of brainwashing, Annabeth translates, mentally rolling her eyes. How cliché. Unfortunately, Luthor's first few sentences that speak of the company's achievements do so quite broadly, and it's hard for her to get a grasp on exactly what he's accomplished.

Annabeth listens to the rest of his report with rapt attention. Most of what he is saying about performance data, current internal and external issues, and market statistics are things that she already knows, but she takes the time to study his mannerisms. It's a rare opportunity she's been given to be able to analyze the man without him staring back.

He's perfectly poised, confident in his words, and leaves no room for argument. When he says that Luthor Technologies' fertilizers and preservatives are a few points behind one of their competitors in the market, it's not an admission of failure; it's simply a fact that Annabeth, and the rest of the board, can tell he means to change.

Luthor's business tone tapers off into something a hair more casual, and she can tell he's approaching the conclusion of his report.

"As for upcoming events, I'd like to inform you that a fundraising gala for Luthor Hospital will be held in three weeks, on June 24th, to raise money for the new children's wing. The invitation will be forwarded to you all by tomorrow evening," the man announces, and Annabeth hates the way he purposefully softens his voice to deliver the news, "That concludes my executive report. Let us continue with the next item on the agenda."

The younger director next to Lana, Heath, leans farther back in his chair and Annabeth catches the movement. When she looks over, he looks mildly approving of the last announcement, but there's also a hint of boredom behind his eyes. Annabeth gives him a six. Across the table, Tran, a director with short black hair and the faint shadow of a mustache purses his thin lips, ever so slightly. Annabeth gives him a four.

Kasten, the chief financial officer, stands a few seconds after Luthor sits and begins to talk about their current finances and stock updates. Annabeth's ADHD is getting steadily worse, but unfortunately, how much money is being poured into which departments is important information to have so she forces her ears to remain focused. His report correlates with what Luthor had said, with a bulk of funding being assigned to research and development in the areas of progress that Luthor had reported.

Eventually, he, too, slows his speech, thanks the board for their time, and returns to his seat. Then, Lana clears her throat and rises gracefully.

"Thank you, Mr. Luthor and Mr. Kasten for those reports. I'd like to follow up with my own on the progress of the Luthor Technologies division. Mr. Luthor has briefly touched upon some of the work we've accomplished, so I'd like to go more in-depth about what these accomplishments mean for the future of LexCorp."

As Lana speaks, she glances around the room in a practiced manner, not too slow, not too fast.

"For our weaponry projects, one of our most notable is the Sky Sentry. As you might have read the reports, the Sky Sentry is a defense mechanism that is capable of knocking out the guidance system of any missile. This in itself is an incredible achievement. However, the high energetic magnetic beam developed and perfected by our researchers that is used in the Sky Sentry will allow us to create even more impressive defensive technologies."

Lana looks down briefly at her notes, paper littered with the names and descriptions of future projects that employ the magnetic beam she pushed her department to develop. Annabeth can tell she's debating on her next sentence, and when she looks up, Annabeth knows she's going to make the wrong decision.

"In the meantime," the woman declares, and Annabeth mentally sighs, "Luthor Technologies will be demonstrating the Sky Sentry next Thursday to our military contractors at a public event."

"Ah, yes," Luthor interrupts smoothly, "I will be taking over the administration of that presentation. I expect you to be there regardless."

Annabeth has come to really like Lana. It's that very fact that prevents her from grabbing Luthor's tie and smashing his too-big head into the marble table. She's able to stop herself, but she hopes her intention doesn't show. However, that may not be the case, if the way Lana very softly places her fingers on Annabeth's stiff shoulder is any indication.

Thankfully, Luthor doesn't seem to notice. She would be suspicious of how oblivious the man seems to her, but she understands his ego. She understands that, in his head, there is no chance that a simple, blonde intern could be of any danger to him. She un-tenses her muscles, and Lana drops her hand.

"As for our robotics division, we've started the prototyping phase of most of the blueprints I presented during our last meeting, and I expect to provide you finished prototypes for thirty projects by our December meeting," Lana continues, and after a few more minutes of various tech updates, she finishes with a, "Thank you for your time."

She doesn't bring up the remaining bullet points on her card that Annabeth can see from this angle.

"At this time, we will address the added item to the agenda," Bauer takes the cue to continue with the meeting, nodding his head at the chief operating officer.

Heyeck stands, meeker than the rest of his c-suite officers, and adjusts his tie.

"I wanted to bring to your attention to a matter I've noticed recently. Employee productivity has been falling, especially in the internal IT and accounting divisions. For the most part, the research and development leaders have been unaffected, but our software developers and engineers have also been experiencing low morale. I've outlined a list of current and potential future consequences to the company if we allow this to continue, as well as my analysis on the cause, that I will distribute at the end of the meeting. However, I wanted to discuss possible solutions. My proposed plan includes a combination of further access to education and necessary trainings and a new program to rejuvenate morale with networking and team-building events. I also suggest a renovation of the main office spaces to boost motivation and comfort."

Holy Hera. Annabeth holds her breath and feels half the occupants in the room do the same. One thing is obvious. Heyeck did not just notice this 'as of late'. He most certainly had been researching for weeks, if not months, and the reason did not include his report in the original agenda was likely in fear of Luthor's reaction. And he had every right.

Annabeth glances over to the man in question, gripping the pen before her. Luthor's face is so carefully blank, but she can see the fury behind his eyes. She knows that if he could fire his COO, he would, in a heartbeat. But there are probably clauses in Heyeck's contract that call for specific conditions to be met for his termination to be appropriate, and Annabeth doubts that asking for better working conditions for employees counts.

"I haven't noticed any such issue," Luthor says, mildly, staring down Heyeck.

Annabeth can hear what he's trying to communicate. You haven't either.

"That's only natural, as you have other, external, responsibilities to attend to. My job requires me to oversee internal affairs and, in this report," Heyeck brandishes a staples stack of paper, "You can see I've outlined everything."

The man is stronger than Annabeth had originally given him credit for. It's a small victory that she sets aside to work into her plan.

"I see," Luthor all but hisses, "And what of the funding required for this project of yours, have you run the numbers?"

"Education and training, two million, the networking events, one million, and the office renovations," Heyeck hesitates for the first time, "twenty-three million."

Annabeth closes her eyes at that number. She misses Luthor's reaction as she does so, but by this point, she can already guess how he feels about that.

"Twenty-six million dollars?" someone exclaims, and her eyes shoot open at the new voice, "You want us to approve that money for what, so employees can be happier, and work a little harder? They should be doing that anyway!"

Annabeth watches that man who just spoke, Vaughn. The director is looking at Heyeck with a mixture of incredulity and anger. The man pays no attention to Luthor but instead directs all his fury to the COO, who slouches his shoulders. Annabeth mentally furrows her eyebrows. It takes her a few seconds, but she gives him an eight.

"I agree with the sentiment. Perhaps not on as emotional of a level," Luthor continues, "But I don't see the benefit in putting aside that much money. There is nothing wrong with LexCorp's offices."

In actuality, twenty-six million dollars is something LexCorp could spare multiple times over, but Annabeth has a sneaking suspicion it's Luthor who doesn't want to part with the cash just for it to be spent on remodeling the hideous minimalist offices he's so attached to.

"Employee productivity is not to be taken lightly," the second female director, Flores, cuts in, "It's quite a powerful thing. Perhaps if Mr. Heyeck is accurate in his observation, it is worth spending that much to correct the situation."

Flores's face is thoughtful as she looks towards Luthor for his reaction. Three, Annabeth decides.

Luthor's lips twist into a displeased expression, and from her seat near him, Annabeth can see how worked up he is over this discussion.

"I believe your program is wholly unnecessary," he tells Heyeck.

"I believe that if you took the time to read my report, you would see that it is," Heyeck responds immediately, and Annabeth can see the exact moment he regrets it.

In the following silence, everyone can hear Luthor's chair slide back a fraction of an inch. If they were alone, if it were only Luthor and Heyeck in the room, Annabeth knows how it would play out. Luthor standing over Heyeck's body, blood on his fists and a sneer on his face.

She raises her hand.

"If I may be so bold," she says, quietly, speaking for the first time since roll call, "I may have a suggestion."

Eleven pairs of eyes snap to her immediately, but Annabeth only pays attention to Luthor's.

"Go on," she hears Bauer say from across the table.

"I understand that the Technologies division has two commercial airplanes scheduled to be finished building and sold in two weeks," Annabeth starts, carefully.

Lana nods slowly from beside her.

"Perhaps, once LexCorp receives the full payment from the client, the board can reconvene to decide if it is willing to set aside the twenty-six million for Mr. Heyeck's plan. By then, everyone will have the time to read over Mr. Heyeck's report to see if the concern is valid, and, if it is, LexCorp will more than have the liquid cash required for the program."

Annabeth doesn't think it's that novel of an idea, so she attributes the multiple stunned stares to her having the gall to share it in the first place.

She doesn't want to, but Annabeth turns her head to meet Luthor's gaze. He's picking her apart, looking for her motivations, and Annabeth very firmly holds her constructed naivety in place. He doesn't look angry anymore. Annabeth knows it's because her suggestion, which on the surface seems to benefit Heyeck, actually gives Luthor the advantage. He'll be able to use the extra time to build a case against Heyeck. She wishes it wasn't the outcome, but it has to be done.

When Luthor looks away, and toward Bauer, believing her to be just an impulsive intern who doesn't know exactly what she's proposed, Annabeth almost breathes a sigh of relief.

"I agree with Miss Chase's suggestion," Heyeck announces, a sour look on his face, as he also realizes the implication of it.

"As do I," Luthor says.

Bauer's eyebrows furrow as he considers the occupants in the room. Finally, he nods.

"I motion that the board reconvenes in one month to discuss Mr. Heyeck's proposition," Bauer declares.

"I second that motion," Abernathy voices.

Annabeth does not miss the way she looks toward Luthor before speaking.

"We will now vote," Bauer instructs, holding up his hand, "Yes."

Abernathy holds up her hand and says the same. The rest of the directors follow, voting yes, with the exception of Vaughn, eight, and Markham, two, who both vote no. It's not hard for her to understand their motivations. Vaughn because he doesn't believe the plan should be given a chance at all, and Markham because he knows the postponement will benefit Luthor.

"The motion passes," Bauer declares, "If there are no other announcements, I move for the board to be adjourned."

"I second it," Heath says, quickly, tapping a pen impatiently against the table.

The directors go around once again, and this time, everyone votes yes.

Although Luthor was the last to arrive, he is the first to leave, barely giving any of them, even Annabeth, a second glance as he strides out the doors and into the elevator. No one dares to go with him.

They wait until they are sure that the lift has started making its way down before Kasten, Heyeck, and the other directors file out. Only Annabeth, Lana, and Bauer remain.

Bauer stands and walks over to the two women. When he holds out his hand to shake, Annabeth accepts immediately, plastering on a sheepish smile.

"I apologize for my interruption. I hope I wasn't too out of line," she forces out.

To Bauer and Lana, the words come smoothly.

"Perhaps a little," Bauer admits, not unkindly, "But your suggestion may be of actual benefit, so I will not fault you too much for it. It's quite a sum of money and the extra time will help us decide how to proceed."

Annabeth has spent much of the meeting trying to assign Bauer a number, but it's been more difficult than she had expected. It's not hard to read him as a person or as a director—he seems very competent, but his personal motivations are murky.

"The company thanks you, Miss Chase. I hope to see you at future board meetings," he says, before making his way out of the room.

The disappointment she feels by, finally, giving him a five, is quickly overshadowed by an almost smug satisfaction at the ways things are starting to fall into place. She just remembers to hide her smile when she feels Lana turn to her.

"Well, well, Annabeth," the woman laughs, "Guess I made the right call, after all, bringing you."

Annabeth wishes she could blush on command, but unfortunately, it's not one of the many skills she possesses. She shifts her gaze towards the ground instead.

"It was nothing, really," she says hesitantly, "It just seemed like something was going to happen between Mr. Luthor and Mr. Heyeck, so I said the first thing I could think of."

Lana's eyes glint with amusement for a moment, then she sighs.

"It was the best thing you could do in the situation, yes, but I'm afraid it may not have the effect you hoped for," she says, frowning.

"What do you mean?" Annabeth pretends to look confused.

Lana repeats what she already knows about the likelihood of Heyeck's observation being dismissed, but Annabeth notices how she leaves Luthor's name out of it, careful not to blame him.

"Oh, I didn't mean to—"

"It's okay," Lana interrupts her, "To be honest, it was kind of always a lost cause. Heyeck's been wanting to remodel the offices for years, but he's never been able to make it happen."

Briefly, Annabeth wishes she would've said something different. Maybe then, the COO's plan would have been approved, and Annabeth could've weaseled her way into the redesigning team. Gods, the look on Luthor's face when he realized she would be tearing up his precious slabs of concrete for something much more aesthetic would have been so satisfying. Unfortunately, she has to keep the bigger picture in mind.

She looks at Lana with a slightly defeated expression, and the woman pats her on the shoulder sympathetically.

Internally, however, she feels victorious, as the first puzzle piece slides neatly into place.

LINEBREAK

As noted by Annabeth:

Vaughn – 8 – morally unstable, supports Luthor's methods

Abernathy – 7 – vaguely loyal to Luthor,

Heath – 6 – seems fine with Luthor, somewhat clueless

Bauer – 5 – only motivated by the good of the company

Tran – 4 –but doesn't seem to like Luthor, but professional

Flores – 3 – doubts Luthor's methods, impartial to him as a person

Markham – 2 – doesn't like Luthor at all, unsure why

AN:

Not me using my real person job as just a way to research for this fic ...

Anyways, I had to force this chapter out of me because nothing really happens but it's still pretty important set up for the rest of the story

I hope you guys enjoyed it! Please comment and let me know what you guys thought! 

I should mention: TOA never happened because I never read it. Jason's still alive, but Piper's with Shel because I said so.